My 9 y/o daughter has hair almost exactly like your daughter's. She hates it, too. She doesn't get teased at all, though. She gets compliments on her hair constantly, but I think she does not like the attention her "big poofy hair" brings her. I'm hoping to someday get her to wear her hair down again, but it's been years since she has. I am here today to look for help with products, too.

I wish you luck and I wish I had some advice. For now, I'm in the same boat (minus the teasing - and I'm disgusted that it is happening to your child).

Originally Posted by jeannie_b

my hair was like that!!! im a bit older now and im in an all girls school and i always thought my hair was too puffy but its gown and its straightened out a bit when i was a kid it was a four now its just a 3C because the weight of it straightens it out!! but wait a few years she will love i i hated mine for so long i was going to shave my head or get it permanently straightened but im 13 now and now my friends tell me my hairs nice too and not just adults!! when i was younger i wouldnt like washing my hair cause it hurt to much when i brushed it but i learned to wash it everyday and use TONS of conditioner!!! even just do this for a while and it might help also dont brush it when its dry or starting to dry!! and maybe use a leave in conditioner or a mouse!!! hope this helped

I'm a hairstylist with hair almost identical to your daughters! Im a 3c/4a. My daughter is a 4b/4c. I recently discovered a product that takes away a lot of the "poofyness" and moisturizes like a dream. it's the "curl enhancing smoothie" by Shea moisture. It's a heavy cream but it's perfect for what you're looking for. Try to shampoo only 1 or 2 times a week. Condition as much as you feel fit. I condition everyday for the moisture. But honestly this product will leave the hair so soft and moisturizes that you may not need to condition as often. Just section her hair and apply the product generously to each section. When it dries, it won't get "poofy". Or big. Seal it with an argan oil. To refresh it, use Shea moistures "curl milk". Hopefully this helps a bit.

But I guess it's hard to have Large-And-In-Charge hair when you have a retiring personality! I don't see any problem with letting her keep it in braids until she grows into it. You could experiment with french braid styles, fishtail braids, etc, since you're obviously willing to put a lot of time and energy into hair. Then it will look gorgeous but be "smaller." When she's older she'll likely enjoy it in all its glory, so why force the issue?

My daughter is 11 and is just now (after years of yelling she hates her hair) starting to not be so negative about her hair. She still won't wear it down. She calls it poofy even though the curls are defined (just her hair is so thick). I started CG on her last week (she was reluctant to do it before). And yeah kids make me mad. Girls! Called her hair poofy. I told her they were jealous, etc. You're right it doesn't matter what we say because we are not peers. I would try Curly Girl. It is helping my daughter gain confidence in herself and hair. **She is super shy too.